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change of scenery

American  
[cheynj uhv see-nuh-ree] / ˈtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈsi nə ri /

noun

  1. a shift, usually temporary, from one’s ordinary surroundings to somewhere desirably different, as a shift from one’s daily routine in an office to a week’s vacation at the seashore.

    He’s been fly fishing every weekend since his doctor told him he needs a change of scenery.


Etymology

Origin of change of scenery

First recorded in 1740–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Shortly after the latest separation, Ballerini—who had been living in Nashville, Tenn., at the time—chose to relocate for a change of scenery.

From MarketWatch ● May 21, 2026

But where their previous schools saw disappointment, May saw a potentially unstoppable tandem that needed a change of scenery.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 7, 2026

When she does work remotely, she goes to a café or co-working space for a change of scenery and the opportunity to socialise.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2025

The change of scenery might surprise readers, but it’s been hinted at since the first season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2025

I was still practicing law, but the specificity of the work and the change of scenery distracted me just enough from the bigger questions beginning to bubble up in my mind.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

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